David Baza Pocaigue

Senior Chief Petty Officer David Baza Pocaigue served our country honorably in the United States Navy for nearly 20 years. Throughout his service he sailed on the: USS Aludra, an LCU 1494, USS Donner, USS Loraine County, USS Oriskany, and retired out of Naval Station Bremerton on the USS Sacramento. He sailed to many places around the world and served as a Boatswain’s Mate, a fireman, a Repair Clerk (of 16mm films) for the Movie Exchange, and a Marine Electrician. He told his family stories of the Bermuda Triangle and Navy traditions when crossing the International Date Line.

During the Vietnam War, he managed generators aboard an LCU and brought much needed supplies to the Army and the Air Force at Red Beach. While on shore duty at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, he designed and built a Flooding Alarm System for the entire inactive fleet.

He was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal by the Secretary of the Navy for his outstanding leadership and maintenance of the electrical systems aboard the USS Donner and the USS Loraine County and a commendation from ComServPac (Service Force of the United States Pacific Fleet).After retiring from the Navy, David worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as an expert Marine Electrician and a well-respected foreman for Shop 51. David was known as the “Walking Tech Manual” and the “Rewind Guru.” Because of his expertise, the Navy continued to utilize him as a consultant sending him across the country to solve problems with mine sweeping generators. In 2005, with a Special Achievement Award from the Department of the Navy, David retired from 27 years of dedicated civilian service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Adela Pocaigue; his brothers, Enrique, Jose and Luis; and his son-in-law, Aaron.

David was a generous man who sacrificially took care of his family. He was a devoted husband to Josefina for 58 years of marriage. He is survived by his loving wife; his two adoring daughters, Patricia Beuke (Todd) and Melinda Briseno; his 9 grateful grandchildren Elena (Zach), Corina, Jesse, Aidan, Madison, Calista, Elise, Blaise and E; his siblings, Francisco, Paz, Edward, Eloy, Ramon and Teresita and numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

David loved God, the Catholic Church, his family, his country, his homeland of Guam, his Chamorro culture and the Notre Dame Football team. He embodied the Chamorro values of doing good for all (inafamaolek) and generosity (gineftao) to his girls, their families and to fellow veterans that he met during everyday outings. He was an outstanding chef, specializing in his famous ribs and chicken, steak and fish kelaguen. He always made more than enough food and told everyone they couldn’t leave the table until all the food was gone. His legacy of a life well lived has left an indelible impact on those that were blessed to know him.

FUNERAL MASSNovember 22, 20249:30 amSaint Helena Catholic Church14714 Edgemont Street

Interment will follow at 11:15 A.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road.